aptamers for molecular targeting and biosensing
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that fold into tertiary structures and can bind targets similar to antibodies. We have long been interested in aptamers for their chemical versatility and programmability for a wide variety of applications. We recently developed some new aptamer selection workflows to improve the specificity of isolated aptamers against their intended targets, including soluble proteins and membrane receptors on the surfaces of living cells. Some of these aptamers are being used to augment our biomaterial platforms and our emerging drug delivery strategies. We are also developing improved selection workflows to isolate aptamers that will serve as conditionally-fluorescent biosensors against small molecules; this advancement will facilitate our in vitro work on BBB drug transport and signaling dynamics.
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Everett Allchin
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